Communication and Media Studies at Texas State University

Texas State's communication program delivers something increasingly rare: meaningful earnings growth after graduation. While the first-year salary of $37,386 sits modestly above Texas and national medians, graduates see their earnings jump 31% by year four—reaching nearly $49,000. That trajectory matters more than the starting point, especially in a field where many programs plateau early. Among Texas's 64 communication programs, this ranks in the 60th percentile, outperforming the state median by about $3,000 in first-year earnings.

The debt picture is reasonable at $24,250, creating a 0.65 debt-to-earnings ratio that most graduates should be able to manage. You're borrowing less than one year's salary, which gives breathing room as those earnings climb. The program can't match UT Austin or Baylor's outcomes—those institutions produce graduates earning $43,000-plus right away—but it also comes without their price tags or selective admissions.

For families prioritizing accessible education with solid growth potential, this program makes sense. The real value emerges in years two through four, as graduates gain experience and their compensation catches up to the skills they've developed. Just recognize you're not buying into a high-earning starting salary—you're investing in a credential that opens doors to better opportunities over time.